This is My Father's World

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 This is my Father's world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas--
His hand the wonders wrought.
 This is my Father's world:
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world:
He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass, I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.
This is my Father's world:
O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father's world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad! 
-Maltbie Davenport Babcock

This month I have learned so much about God's faithfulness to his people. After reading through the Old Testament this semester, it is clear that this is God's world and he has a plan for it. Working on a college campus is so unique because you meet such a wide variety of people. So many people are from different backgrounds and cultures. So many people haven't heard of Jesus, or have believed lies about him. So many are without true friends, and many are searching for something to fill the God sized holes in their lives. But God is at work on this campus. He shows up in the smallest and largest of ways to save the students in this area. I see God all around UTD. I see him in our student leaders who sacrifice their time and money to commit to the students on campus. I see him through our large group meeting where everyone is welcomed and loved. I see him in our one on one studies where people start to realize his presence in their lives. This is indeed his world, and he is all around us. Thank you God for your faithfulness!

KFG 

On December 3rd we will be kicking off our Keep Focus Growing fundraiser for this upcoming year. This fundraiser allows FOCUS to make up for staff salary shortfalls, buy materials for one on one studies of the bible, plan to plant FOCUS at other campuses, and so much more. FOCUS is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of so many to keep our organization running. Gifts in the past have allowed us to plant campus ministries at Southern Methodist University, Collin College Central Park Campus, and many others. It has also allowed us to study the bible with hundreds of college students in this area to help make and mature disciples to the glory of God. Please consider making a donation, or pledging a donation today! https://anyfocus.org/kfg/

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Thanksgiving 

It was a great Thanksgiving break. I have so much to be thankful for this year. One thing I am especially grateful for is the love and support that I have received from so many of you. I am so so thankful that I get to work in campus ministry because of the generosity of others. Thank you guys so much! Please continue thinking of other people who may be interested in joining me during this apprenticeship. 


Pizza Theology 

Every semester we provide opportunities for the students to learn how to be better disciples on the college campus. We have a four hour long learning session with an hour break in between where we eat pizza. This semester Mary Poplin came to talk about differing world views and how they affect our faith. Hundreds of students came out to listen and learn more about what secular means, and how secular thinking can influence people. Mary was extremely engaging, and also loved giving away Cheetos. Thank you Mary for your time and knowledge!



Good News from this month:
I finished reading the entire Old Testament, and now I am moving into the New Testament! So much to learn, so little time.

Our students threw a student led event that focused on discussing the Psalms and eating s'mores! 

We did some campus outreach this month to create a ripple of Thankfulness on our campus. 

My wonderful nephew Noah was adopted by my amazing brother in law!

One of  our student leaders, and my great friend, got baptized!

Prayer Requests:

  • pray for our KFG fundraiser, that God would lead generous hearts to give to FOCUS 
  • pray for people who may want to join my fundraising team, pray for me to not be discouraged and to be bold
  • pray for the students who are considering being baptized this year
  • pray for the students who do not have friends or family, that we could be led to them 
  • pray for our upcoming Winter camp, that God would use it to help us spread his love to college students

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